From Tuesday, Australian women subjected to violence will be eligible for a $5000 payment.
From Tuesday, Australian women escaping an abusive relationship will get a $5000 government grant to assist them in fleeing the abuse.
The “escaping violence payment scheme” is being launched as states and territories throughout the country report an alarming spike in domestic violence as a result of the Covid-19 lockdowns.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in every six Australian women is subjected to abuse from her partner.
The $5000 domestic abuse assistance package will contain $1500 in cash, with the remainder made up of direct payments for things like a bond, rent, and school fees.
On Monday, Minister of Women’s Safety Anne Rushton told the Senate that the government’s definition of domestic abuse had grown significantly over the previous decade.
Senator Rushton added that new and growing kinds of domestic violence, including coercive control, financial abuse, and technology-facilitated abuse, are incredibly insidious, making it nearly hard for women to escape an abusive relationship in some circumstances.
This escaping violence payment is designed to ensure that the barriers to leaving an abusive relationship are addressed.
Women must show they are facing domestic violence and financial stress to be eligible for the $5000 one-time payment.
A referral from a family and domestic violence service provider, an apprehended violence order, a court order, or a police report are all examples of proof of domestic violence.
Senator Rushton stated that the scheme will not be means-tested, citing the fact that many women leave violent relationships with no financial assets.
Senator Rushton stated, “We want to make sure it’s available to every woman, no matter where she comes from.”
“We are aware that bank accounts are frequently blocked, and credit cards are revoked.”
The new payment method is part of a two-year government trial that got a $144.5 million allocation in the federal budget for 2021-22 in May.
Domestic violence victims will be able to apply for the $5000 payment from Tuesday by contacting UnitingCare Australia.
Help is available:
1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732
Mensline Australia – 1300 789 978
Lifeline – 13 11 14
